Here are some things to look out for that could affect your hearing health in cold weather.
It’s late in the year, and that means that the temperature will quickly start dropping. But what does that have to do with your hearing health? There are some sneaky hazards that can affect your ears if you’re not careful. Here are some things to look out for that could affect your hearing health in cold weather.
Cold Exposure
The most obvious example of cold weather impacting your hearing health is how the exposure to cold affects your ears. Make sure that you bundle up and wear earmuffs or a scarf when you go outside. Otherwise, the cold in your ear canal can cause irritation, infection, and even damage to your eardrums.
Moisture
The downside of keeping warm in the winter is that you tend to accumulate moisture through sweat. Because the air is drier in cold weather, you might not notice. But it’s important to carefully clean and dry your ears to prevent too much moisture from gumming them up.
Illness
It is a myth that the cold itself will give you the flu. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that cold weather encourages the spread of germs because people are in closer quarters to each other. The various systems in your body, ane, especially around your head, are very connected. If you catch a bad cold, then the inflammation in your sinuses and excess fluid in your nose can cause an ear infection. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor about getting antibiotics before an ear infection can hurt your hearing health.
Contact Bay Area Audiology Today!
If you are concerned about hearing loss or seeking hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, or hearing aid assistance, our doctors are ready to help. We are passionate about helping all of our patients improve their quality of life through better hearing. We also believe that patient education is critical, so you won’t be led through endless sales pitches at our office. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you hear even better, contact us at (410) 324-7176 or online. For more hearing tips and articles, follow Bay Area Audiology on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.